Boone County will continue discussion on dog breeders

BELVIDERE — From a ban on stackable cages to breeders managing no more than two breeds — it’s all feasible.

Enforceability, though, is another matter, said Gina DelRose, a Boone County associate planner.

“There’s always things that can be done,” she noted at the conclusion of a Wednesday session of the county’s Planning, Zoning & Building Committee. “The biggest problem is not just Boone County.

“The biggest problem you’re going to have anywhere is the ability to enforce it. (Because of) revenue problems and, if someone wants to break the law, they’re going to find a way to break the law.”

Poplar Grove resident Brandy Semonich is leading a group of animal lovers pleading for change when it comes to breeders and their operations. In a perfect world, they’d like to see the County Board pass legislation similar to that passed in Chicago.

The legislation bans pet stores from selling dogs, cats or rabbits from large-scale breeding operations known as “puppy mills.”

Semonich presented several suggestions to committee members Wednesday, and they promised to invite representatives from Animal Services and the State’s Attorney’s Office to next month’s meeting for continued discussion.

“We’ll move forward,” Semonich said. “With the support of Animal Services, I think that a lot of these ordinances will be adopted and make Animal Services’ jobs easier ... to keep animals safe.”

Semonich’s list of 10 suggestions included the following:

n Dogs kept on concrete have access to a raised bed of breathable material.

n All animals owned by a special-use permit holder must be microchipped.

n Veterinary records must be kept and made available without notice for a period of not less than two years.

DelRose has said that some of the suggestions are already in place. Some committee members still seemed receptive to reviewing Semonich’s suggestions.

“We need to focus on what we’re really concerned about, and that’s that animals are treated properly and given a decent life,” committee member Denny Ellingson said.

He and other committee members suggested reviewing county codes and state rules and recommending a discussion with Animal Services staff members.